Escape to a Stunning Landscape

Escape to a Stunning Landscape

Arriving in Switzerland, specifically in the Valais region, felt like stepping into a peaceful world filled with charming villages scattered throughout the valleys. The snow-capped mountains create the perfect backdrop for winter sports. I visited two delightful villages, Leukerbad and Les Marécottes, each with its unique charm.

Exploring Leukerbad

My journey began with a train ride from Geneva, bringing me to Leukerbad in the late afternoon. Although I didn't have time for skiing, I was able to indulge in the comfort of Leukerbad Therme, famous for its hot springs. Soaking in the warm waters surrounded by the breathtaking views of the Daubenhorn mountain range was truly a fantastic experience.

Leukerbad Therme features ten thermal baths, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 44 degrees Celsius, offering both indoor and outdoor pools. I also discovered a cold plunge pool, a spa area, and a restaurant. After a day of skiing, this place tends to get lively, filled with laughter and animated conversations, especially in the evenings when fire shows light up the outdoor pool.

Conquering the Torrent Mountain

The next morning, I set out to explore the winter sports areas in Leukerbad, starting with its largest ski area - Torrent. To get there, I took a cable car from the town of Leukerbad. The Torrent ski area boasts numerous runs suitable for different skill levels, from wide red runs to steep black ones. With approximately 50 kilometers of slopes ranging from easy to difficult, it’s perfect for both skiing and snowboarding.

What’s more, this area features many touring runs, allowing experienced skiers to explore various terrains. I also tried my hand at some snowshoeing and downhill skiing trails. After conquering the easier runs, I felt confident enough to tackle the black and red slopes.

Heading to Les Marécottes

From Leukerbad, I made my way to Les Marécottes via a short ride on the Mont-Blanc Express. Although the train wasn't the fastest, the stunning scenery along the way made the journey enjoyable. Les Marécottes is a quintessential Swiss resort, entirely dependent on natural snow.

While it has only a few meticulously maintained runs, when fresh snow falls, it opens up a world of opportunities for activities like freeriding and off-piste exploration. I loved the tranquil atmosphere here, complete with a snow garden for kids and a few short runs for experienced skiers.

A Wilderness Wonderland

Les Marécottes is also home to the Alpen Zoo, located not far from a natural swimming pool. This is the highest zoo in Europe, where I encountered various animals such as black bears, lynxes, and gray wolves. Although the spacious enclosures sometimes made it hard to spot them, every time an animal appeared was a thrill. In the summer, the pool opens, but the zoo remains operational year-round.

The Magic Pass

All the locations I mentioned are included in the Magic Pass, a fantastic card for skiing enthusiasts. This pass grants free access to nearly a hundred different resorts, excluding larger ones like Saas Fee. However, it primarily applies to resorts in Switzerland.

The Magic Pass truly enhances the appeal of smaller resorts like Les Marécottes. Those looking to explore various areas can use this card to save both time and money. Thanks to it, I enjoyed wonderful moments of relaxation at Leukerbad Therme and other spots during my trip.